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PRIMARY CARE SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

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How is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pink eye (conjunctivitis) is usually determined by the typical signs and symptoms, including redness and swelling, burning, and itching eyes. A doctor can diagnose whether the cause of pink eye is viral, bacterial, or allergen-related.

Though not typical, a doctor may send a sample of the eye discharge to a laboratory for examination. Knowing the cause of the infection determines which treatment course will be used.

Your primary care physician can evaluate you and advise consultation with an ophthalmologist if medically indicated. Ophthalmologists, doctors who specialize in eye conditions, usually use a slit lamp to examine the eye. A slit lamp is a microscope that emits a high-energy light beam that allows the doctor to examine the whole eye.

Sometimes, the doctor will use a drop of fluorescein, a yellow dye, to accentuate any damage to the eye.

How is Pink Eye Treated?

Treatment

In most cases, pink eye will resolve itself within a week or two. Medication may be prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis. However, if the symptoms seem severe, make an appointment with your doctor immediately for pink eye treatment. In rare cases, symptoms resembling pink eye could be a sign of a more serious eye condition.

Remedies

  • Over-the-counter artificial tears and cold compresses can relieve the swelling and irritation associated with pink eye.
  • Stop wearing your contact lenses until all signs of inflammation and redness are completely gone.

Medicines will vary with the type of conjunctivitis

  • Sulfacetamide sodium
  • Moxifloxacin
  • Gatifloxacin
  • Erythromycin
  • Polymyxin/trimethoprim
  • Ak-Tracin
  • Bacitracin
  • AK-Poly-Bac

Allergy-related

  • Allergy medicine – antihistamines
  • Eye drops – containing antihistamines and vasoconstrictors to relieve the itch and redness.

FAQs

FAQs

Pink eye is usually caused by touching a surface contaminated with bacteria or virus that causes conjunctivitis and then touching your own eyes. Touching or shaking hands with a person with conjunctivitis could transfer the infection to your hands. Always wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes.

Yes. Pink eye is very contagious. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are easily spread by touching your eyes after touching a contaminated surface.

The usual duration of pink eye is 7 to 14 days. In some cases of viral conjunctivitis, it may take as long as three weeks to recover.

Redness in the white part of the eyeball and under the eyelids. Increased tear production and possible mucus discharge from the eyes.

In most cases, pink eye will resolve itself within a week. Cool compresses and artificial tears may help alleviate some of the uncomfortable symptoms. In cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

Viral conjunctivitis is contagious prior to symptoms appearing and for as long as symptoms are present. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious while a person has symptoms or until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.

Do not wear your contact lenses when you have pink eye. Place cool compresses over your eyes. Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to relieve some of the dry, scratchy feelings.

People are usually aware if they have pink eye because the symptoms may be too annoying to ignore. A doctor can diagnose pink eye after examining a patient and considering their symptoms.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Pink Eye Treatment

If you suspect you have an eye infection, seek help at NewYork-Presbyterian. Make an appointment to see an expert ophthalmologist at one of our eye care centers.

Same-day appointments are available for critical care needs. Easy scheduling with early, late, and weekend hours are available to make your life less stressful. Most insurance is accepted.

Patients have access to patient portals, video visits, and referrals to NewYork-Presbyterian specialists.